Fall River woman faces 17 counts of animal cruelty

A Fall River woman has been arrested on 17 counts of animal cruelty stemming from a call to Woonsocket police of a dog on the roof of the property.

Korina Ferreira, 40, of Fall River, was arrested at 36 Cottage Street after police observed several dogs on the second floor through the windows of the home. Police also found large amounts of dog feces and a makeshift kennel. A refrigerator and other items were also blocking various rooms in the home.

Police had responded to the house the previous day for a barking complaint.

Police said when officers arrived on scene, they met with a neighbor who stated that he believed the house was abandoned, as he had not observed anybody living there for well over a year.

When police tried to enter the home, Ferreira arrived on scene. Ferreira stated that she was the daughter of the homeowner, and was living on the second floor.

Ferreira gave Woonsocket Police consent to enter the home. Officers discovered 9 adult dogs and 8 newborn puppies living in unsanitary conditions.

Police also found 12 small chickens, 4 adult chickens and a deceased pheasant, along with a makeshift pigpen in the basement, stocked with hay, pig feed, and filled with rabbit droppings.

RISPCA was called to the scene and discovered a deceased and decaying pig on the second floor.

All 17 dogs and puppies were removed. ACO’s from Woonsocket, Warwick, and North Smithfield seized all dogs and puppies without incident.

Ferreira told the officer that she had been arrested on prior animal cruelty charges in Massachusetts, and that she used the home because she did not know where else to put the dogs.

Ferreira has been charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty and is being arraigned Friday.

RISPCA was given a copy of the report and are investigating.